Moeller Execution Set For Week Of October 28

He raped and murdered a nine-year-old girl more than two decades ago in Lincoln County. And after years of appeals, Donald Moeller says he's ready to accept execution as the consequences for his actions.

Back in 1997, Moeller was convicted of raping and murdering nine-year-old Becky O'Connell just outside of Sioux Falls for a second time. After years of appealing his death sentence, a date has been set for his execution.

After exhausting most of his appeals Attorney General Marty Jackley requested that Judge Kathleen Caldwell set a date for the death penalty to be carried out.

Moeller's attorney acknowledged that his client knew this day would come and he said that Moeller does not oppose the decision to set a date and is ready to die.

"He accepts the execution as the consequences of his action," attorney Mark Marshall said.

Moeller's attorney requested that the convicted murderer be executed the week of August 6. But Jackley requested the week of October 28 so the penitentiary would have time to prepare for the execution and that's the date Judge Caldwell set.

Moeller will likely be put to death at the penitentiary between October 28 and November 3, more than 22 years after the crime was committed.